arrange • compose • conduct
There’s something magical about the first snow, isn’t there? It uplifts, even as it chills you. That same snow, falling in March, wouldn’t have the same effect. We want to maintain our joy in the things that we do, but it’s simply not possible, always, when we’ve been doing the […]
We talked in rehearsal today about the skill of initiative, in the context of working our way through John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. One of my students succinctly defined it as, “Doing things without being told to do them.” (He also said his mom is often telling him to find […]
It’s long overdue, but I’m happy to welcome you to a new and improved version of jedscott.com. My last website was coded by me years ago – before there were thoughts of responsive design, dark mode, etc. This time around I didn’t do the coding, but have worked very hard […]
I hear some educators bemoan the lack of discipline in their students – “They are too entitled,” professors will say, or “They have no work ethic,” or “Ruined by their helicopter parents.” To start: I do think helicopter parenting is a problem, work ethic is vital, and no one should […]
This is just a semi-regular reminder that arranging is composition. Aside from creating a melody, every aspect of composing is exactly mirrored in arranging. Key selection, shaping of form, orchestration choices, methods of development and creative adapting of the melody: these are all present in good arranging as well as […]
I start out each week planning the perfect rehearsal. Efficient! Fun! Productive! There is music, and laughter, and camaraderie, and mutual respect among all people in the rehearsal. This, of course, never happens. I plan the perfect rehearsal, but I never plan on the perfect rehearsal! Why? There’s a sporting […]
It’s easy to forget the power of great live music. Listening to pristine studio recordings is great – I love listening to records. But it’s something else to be present, when a truly special group of musicians share their art. There are two factors that have conspired to help me […]
Some high school music educators get accused of playing favorites, or “Only really caring about the future musicians.” They mean future music majors and future music/performing professionals. Yes, I care about encouraging my future musicians to flourish. Future music professionals.Future music educators.Future church choir members.Future college choir members.Future community choir […]
Piano/vocal scores have the most ambiguous tempo markings. Things like: Moderately. Medium Tempo. And my current favorite: Sturdy Ballad. I got to wondering today: why, oh why, are they so vague? I try to offer as much specificity as I can in my scores – often a descriptor plus a […]
If you’re looking for the best songs, ask everyone. As I’m working through the song selections for our annual Cabaret, sometimes I think that I should put tighter rules around the songs – even going so far as to making a limited song list students should select from. The thing […]